Highley

Highley is a surname of English origin that is primarily found in the West Midlands region of England. The name is derived from the Old English word "hēah" meaning "high" or "tall" and "lēah" meaning "wood" or "clearing," indicating a person who resides in a high or elevated woodland area.

The Highley surname is believed to have originated from various villages named Highley in England, particularly the village of Highley in Shropshire. The earliest recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 13th century in the Worcestershire region, indicating that the name has a long history in the area.

Throughout history, individuals with the surname Highley have been associated with various occupations and professions, such as farmers, artisans, and landowners. The surname has spread to different parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, as individuals with the Highley surname have migrated to other countries as part of the British diaspora.

Today, the Highley surname is relatively uncommon, but individuals bearing this name can still be found in parts of England and other English-speaking countries. The name carries with it a sense of heritage and connection to the West Midlands region of England, reflecting the rich history of the area.

There are approximately 417 people named Highley in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Highley.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • Derek
  • Ian
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Ronald
  • Trevor

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Clare
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gwyneth
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Pauline
  • Sophie
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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